The Miami County Artisan Gallery has created a new program in which residents may donate money and receive a painting on loan in return and place the art in area senior living facilities, according to MCAG owner Marlene Compton.

Compton said the program is about brightening lives and giving back to the community.

“We’re reaching out to the community and we’re doing this so people can take a painting to a nursing home of their choice,” Compton said.

She said the art will be given on a loaned basis for a donation of the renter’s choosing.

“We’re not saying how much to donate because not everyone can afford the same thing,” she said. “We can frame it for a larger donation, however.”

According to an MCAG press release, those interested may choose between around half a dozen prints and a dozen oil and watercolor paintings to place for however long they choose.

Compton said the art essentially belongs to the donor until they’re ready to give it back.

“If the artwork is left in a person’s room and they pass on, it can be returned to MCAG,” the release stated.

The first piece of art – an original oil painting featuring a bird’s nest and eggs – has been selected and will placed at Miller’s Merry Manor and hung next to the living bird exhibit at the facility.

While their current selection is quite small, Compton said she’s expecting more to come in at some point next week.

Those interested in the program may stop in to see Compton at MCAG at 20 N.Broadway St., Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.